World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in New Delhi, India, he served as a Flying Officer in the 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force. On the night of May 30, 1942, Flying Officer Manser in his Manchester bomber aircraft, was part of the mass raid on Cologne, Germany. As he came over the target, his aircraft was caught in searchlights and although he bombed the target successfully, his plane was hit by flak. In an effort to escape the anti-aircraft fire he took evasive action, reduced his altitude but did not escape the flak until he was clear of the city. Rather than abandon the aircraft and be captured, he tried to get the aircraft and crew to safety. The port engine then burst into flames, burning the wing and reducing airspeed to a dangerously low level. The aircraft was by now over Belgium and Flying Officer Manser ordered the crew to bale out and refused the offer of a parachute for himself. He remained at the controls in order to save his crew and died when his plane crashed in flames into a dyke at Bree, Belgium. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on October 23, 1942.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in New Delhi, India, he served as a Flying Officer in the 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force. On the night of May 30, 1942, Flying Officer Manser in his Manchester bomber aircraft, was part of the mass raid on Cologne, Germany. As he came over the target, his aircraft was caught in searchlights and although he bombed the target successfully, his plane was hit by flak. In an effort to escape the anti-aircraft fire he took evasive action, reduced his altitude but did not escape the flak until he was clear of the city. Rather than abandon the aircraft and be captured, he tried to get the aircraft and crew to safety. The port engine then burst into flames, burning the wing and reducing airspeed to a dangerously low level. The aircraft was by now over Belgium and Flying Officer Manser ordered the crew to bale out and refused the offer of a parachute for himself. He remained at the controls in order to save his crew and died when his plane crashed in flames into a dyke at Bree, Belgium. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on October 23, 1942.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
BELOVED SON OF T.J.S. AND R. MANSER, RADLETT, HERTS. ENGLAND. "HE DIED TO DO HIS DUTY"
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